Groupe Sétin, lying 19th has had to slow to repair a crack in her port rudder. Yes, more damage, but it is worth reflecting that the average yachtsman probably does not sail 3,000 a year and re-fits each winter. So these boats have already sailed the equivalent of 4 years average sailing without any attention. The skipper, Manuel Cousin worked all night to remove his rudder and effect repairs and hopes to resume racing shortly.
Out in the lead Apivia, which is now halfway between the Kerguelen Islands and Cape Leeuwin, is losing miles on second placed LinkedOut as she has only 12 knots of wind, 4 knots less. Maître CoQ and Bureau Vallée with the following group have also closed on the lead with stronger winds. Another depression is approaching the Kerguelen Islands further south and this will gradually bring more wind to the fleet from the back forwards. Much further back, some 2,600 miles, Pip Hare is still in 20th and Miranda Merron 22nd over 3,000 miles astern.
The huge Trimaran Sodebo, which is making its attempt to win the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest non-stop unassisted circumnavigation with her crew of 8, has also slowed. Her last 24 hours she has only made 560 miles which puts her over 100 miles behind the record she is trying to beat, but she will have overtaken the entire Vendée fleet by this time tomorrow.